We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Running The Best Cheap Running Shoes: Your Guide to High-Performance, Low-Cost Sneakers We found and tested budget-friendly pairs from Asics, Brooks, Nike, and more By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 18, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Medically reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist, editor and fact checker with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Buying sneakers can be complicated, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. Fortunately, many top running shoe brands make supportive, comfortable, and durable pairs at competitive prices. To find the best cheap running shoes, we started by consulting five experts—including podiatrists and running coaches—to learn which key features to look for. Then, we tested dozens of budget-friendly running shoes over the course of six weeks. Sometimes, we had two runners test each pair to get a better idea of how the shoes fit and feel on different foot types. The running shoes that made our final list of recommendations earned high scores for their superior fit, comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, stability, and overall value. We also had an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, including how to shop for cheap running shoes based on your feet and gait. How to Save Money on Running Shoes Bargain hunting can be frustrating, but there are plenty of ways to save on running shoes: Older sneaker models often have many of the same features as newer ones, with a lower price tag. When a new version of your favorite shoe comes out, stock up on the previous one at a discount.Some colors and patterns may be less expensive, so it’s worth price-checking the different options if you’re less particular about your shoes’ appearance. If you wear a smaller size, browse the boys’ or girls’ version of your go-to sneaker. It may be very similar in style (but is usually less expensive). Our Top Picks Best Women's Overall: Asics Women’s GEL-Excite 10 at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Men's Overall: Saucony Men’s Cohesion 16 at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review Best for Short Distances: New Balance Women’s FuelCell Propel v4 at Amazon ($110) Jump to Review Best for Neutral Runners: Brooks Men’s Anthem 6 at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Road Running: Nike Men’s Downshifter 13 at Nike.com ($60) Jump to Review Best for Trail Running: ASICS Gel-Venture 9 at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best for Speed: Brooks Launch 10 Running Shoe at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best Cushioned: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Flat Feet: Asics Men’s GT-1000 12 Running Shoes at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review In This Article Expand How to Save Money on Running Shoes Our Picks We Also Tested What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Women's Overall Asics Women’s GEL-Excite 10 Zappos View On Amazon $70 View On Zappos $70 View On Asics.com Pros Two kinds of cushioning Breathable mesh upper Lightweight Cons Not as stable Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill Who They’re For Best for casual or beginner runners with neutral arches. Why We Love Them Asics’ Gel-Excite 10 is one of our top overall picks because it’s well-cushioned, lightweight, and priced under $100. It has Asics’ signature support and technology that runners appreciate for both short workouts and long-distance runs at a budget-friendly price. When we tested the previous model of this sneaker (the Gel-Excite 9), we loved the combination of soft gel and foam cushioning in the midsole. With each stride, we noticed a springy feel and strong rebound. And even during long runs in hot weather, the breathable mesh upper helps air circulate to keep our feet cool and dry. The Gel-Excite 10 has a sturdy and durable rubber outsole with strategically placed grooves for better flexibility. Available in two widths and a wide range of colors, it’s a sleek, stylish shoe that works well for new or casual runners since it can also double as a comfortable walking shoe. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Asics. Potential Flaws We noticed during testing that, since the GEL-Excite line is so lightweight, it’s not as stable as some of our other top picks. Best Men's Overall Saucony Men’s Cohesion 16 Amazon View On Amazon $59 View On Zappos $60 View On Roadrunnersports.com Pros Excellent shock absorption Good traction Breathable mesh upper Cons Not as durable Key Specs Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill Who They’re For Best for runners with neutral arches and plantar fasciitis. Why We Love Them Saucony’s Cohesion 16 takes our other best overall spot because it rivals Saucony’s more expensive models at a more competitive price. It’s one of our top picks for casual runners who need a dependable sneaker for spending lots of time on their feet. With a durable, grippy rubber outsole, this shoe can take you over miles of asphalt without weighing you down. The spacious toe box offers plenty of room for your forefoot, for better stability and power transfer. Plus, we like that the Cohesion 16 is available in two widths for runners with wide feet or orthotics. A light, breathable mesh upper keeps your feet dry and comfortable, preventing painful blisters from forming. The midsole also features ample cushioning, which delivers excellent shock absorption and smooth transitions—making the Cohesion 16 one of our favorite budget-friendly shoes for runners with plantar fasciitis. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Famous Footwear. Potential Flaws Although this shoe is made from high-quality materials, some wearers have found that it tends to show signs of wear and tear quickly. Best for Short Distances New Balance Women’s FuelCell Propel v4 Amazon View On Amazon $110 View On Zappos $110 View On Dick's $110 Pros Great energy return Fast transitions Sleek style Cons Upper isn’t as breathable Outsole isn’t very grippy Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 8.1 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Best For: Roads, treadmill, track Who They’re For Best for runners with a neutral gait who want a springy shoe for short, fast workouts. Why We Love Them New Balance’s FuelCell Propel v4 boasts the same materials and technology found in other New Balance models without the higher price tag. It features a springy foam midsole that offers cloud-like comfort and an energetic ride. Despite the ample cushioning, it weighs less than some of our other picks, making it one of our top recommendations for sprints or speedwork. This version also includes a flexible plate underneath the midsole that pushes you forward as you accelerate for faster transitions. We like that the soft upper hugs your foot for a comfortable fit, and the no-sew overlay adds support (not extra bulk). Plus, the padded collar and tongue prevent irritation around your ankles. Overall, the FuelCell Propel v4 is sleek, versatile, and—like most New Balance footwear—comfortable for all-day wear. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance. Potential Flaws Although the upper is soft, it’s not mesh, so it won’t be as breathable in warm weather.The outsole is fairly flat with shallow lugs, meaning this sneaker doesn’t have the best traction. Best for Neutral Runners Brooks Men’s Anthem 6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's $85 View On Brooksrunning.com $85 Pros Responsive cushioning Removable insoles Breathable mesh upper Cons Not as supportive Only comes in one width Key Specs Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9.4 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Road Who They’re For Best for new runners who want a responsive shoe for road running. Why We Love Them Brooks fans will appreciate the quality (and lower price tag) of Brooks’ Anthem 6. When we tested the previous model of this sneaker, we were impressed by its responsive cushioning. The foam midsole provided a soft, plush landing while still promoting the natural movement of our forefoot. We also found that the breathable, flexible mesh upper had an exceptional fit and offered just the right amount of support. The Anthem 6 is one of our top picks for outdoor runs, although it also works well for walking and casual wear. We like that it has a high heel tab in the back, so you can slip it on and off easily. Plus, like other Brooks shoes, these have removable insoles—ideal if you need some additional room for orthotics or inserts. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brooks, Public Lands, and Moosejaw. Potential Flaws This shoe is designed for neutral runners, so it may not be supportive enough if you overpronate or have flat feet.We’d love to see this shoe in multiple widths. Best for Road Running Nike Men’s Downshifter 13 Nike View On Nike.com $60 View On Nordstromrack.com Pros Solid traction Versatile Midfoot band adds support Cons May run narrow Not as durable Key Specs Sizes: 6 to 15 | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Best For: Road, track Who They’re For Best for runners who cross-train when they’re not chasing their personal record. Why We Love Them With its exceptional design, outstanding performance, and budget-friendly price, Nike’s Downshifter 13 stands out as our top pick for road running. It has plenty of soft foam cushioning in the midsole and heel for comfort from your first mile to your last. We also like that the shoe’s durable rubber outsole has grooves that create flexibility and reliable traction. When we tested the previous model of this shoe (the Downshifter 12), it performed well as a daily trainer for shorter track sessions and longer runs on pavement. We also noticed that the Downshifter is comfortable and stable enough for everything from running errands to strength-training workouts, making it one of our more versatile picks. Another bonus? The new model boasts a band that wraps around the midfoot for additional support. Also available in women’s sizes at Nike and Kohl's. Potential Flaws When we tested the Downshifter 12, we noticed that it ran narrow. But we like that the new model comes in two widths, for a better fit. The mesh upper is on the thinner side—some wearers have found that it tends to wear out more quickly. Best for Trail Running ASICS Gel-Venture 9 Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Zappos $60 View On Dick's $80 Our Ratings Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Pros Great traction Excellent shock absorption Two kinds of cushioning Cons Heavy Not waterproof Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Light trails, road Who They’re For Best for trail runners with neutral arches. Why We Love Them Searching for a budget-friendly running shoe that works well for road and trail running? We recommend Asics’ Gel-Venture 9. Asics’ popular combination of foam and gel padding in the midsole helps absorb shock from impact and provides cushioned comfort no matter your mileage or preferred terrain. When we tested this pair, we immediately noticed how well the midsole protected us from feeling the gravel or asphalt underneath. The outsole’s reverse-traction lugs provide a little extra cushion and had great grip during our runs (even in wet weather). These sneakers have a supportive sock liner that can be removed if you need to add orthotics, making them one of our top picks for runners with a history of foot pain. Whether or not you need more room in the toe box, you're sure to find the right fit among Asics’ medium and wide sizes. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, DSW, and Famous Footwear. Potential Flaws These are some of the heavier shoes on our list. We don’t recommend them for sprints or other speed workouts.Although we wish they were waterproof, we noticed that the Gel-Venture 9 does repel some moisture and dries quickly. Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Best for Speed Brooks Launch 10 Running Shoe Amazon View On Amazon $100 View On Zappos $100 View On REI Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Stability 4.8/5 Value 4.8/5 Pros Designed to prevent blisters Responsive midsole Smooth, quick transitions Cons Not as much arch support May run narrow Key Specs Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill Who They’re For Best for runners with neutral arches who prefer fast workouts and racing (indoors or out). Why We Love Them If you’re a neutral runner looking for a shoe that hits the sweet spot between a streamlined racing flat and a supportive everyday trainer, we recommend Brooks’ Launch 10. During testing, we noticed that these sneakers are impressively responsive, allowing for smooth, quick transitions from heel to toe. We also like that the knit upper offers a snug, secure fit, even when you pick up the pace. The lightweight foam midsole isn’t too plush, but still protects your joints on long runs. Even better, the Launch 10’s collar is designed to pull away from your ankles to prevent painful blisters from forming on long runs. Available in two widths and a range of bright color combinations, this sneaker is our top pick for runners working on a faster mile. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Fleet Feet. Potential Flaws These shoes have less arch support than other pairs we tested, so we don’t recommend them for overpronators or runners with high arches.We also noticed that the toe box runs a bit narrow. You may want to order your size in the wide width for some extra room. Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao Best Cushioned New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos $58 View On Dsw.com $70 Pros Sleek, stylish design Removable insoles Padded ankle collar Cons May run narrow Not warm enough for cold weather Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 6.8 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Best For: Road or treadmill Who They’re For Best for runners who want a comfortable sneaker that can easily go from the gym to the coffee shop. Why We Love Them New Balance is known for its highly cushioned running shoes, and the Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is no different (except when it comes to the price). When we tested the previous version, the Arishi v3, we liked how easy it was to run in. Despite its ample foam padding in the midsole, the Arishi doesn’t feel bulky and won’t weigh you down. We wore the v3s for multiple long runs and were impressed by how light and responsive they felt. The Arishi v4 is also durable, with a grippy rubber outsole that provides reliable traction on a range of surfaces. The shoe’s seamless upper is highly breathable, to keep your feet cool and blister-free. Removable insoles and a padded ankle collar add to the functional design. And if you prefer a running shoe that can also be worn casually, these sleek, stylish sneakers certainly fit the bill. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, New Balance, and DSW. Potential Flaws Some wearers have found that the toe box runs narrow, so you may want to order your size in the wide width.The Arishi v4’s breathable mesh upper may be too thin for running in cold weather. Best for Flat Feet Asics Men’s GT-1000 12 Running Shoes Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's $100 View On Asics.com Pros Great arch support Good shock absorption Smooth transitions Cons Narrow toe box Key Specs Sizes: 6 to 17 | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill, light trails Who They’re For Best for overpronators on a budget. Why We Love Them Overpronators and runners with flat feet often need a stability shoe with extra support. Those can be expensive—which is why we like Asics’ GT-1000 12. With firm foam in the arch and added support around the midfoot to help guide your feet through the gait cycle, it offers motion control at a lower price than most other stability sneakers. This sneaker also boasts excellent shock absorption and smooth transitions, thanks to pockets of gel underneath the heel. But despite its stellar support and cushioning, the GT-1000 isn’t bulky and has a lightweight feel. With a high-abrasion rubber outsole and a breathable mesh upper, these shoes are comfortable and supportive enough to keep you going for miles. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Famous Footwear. Potential Flaws The toe box runs narrow, so opt for a wide or extra-wide size if you need some extra space. Cheap Running Shoes We Also Tested We’ve tested over 100 pairs of running shoes, but only a few earned their way onto our list of budget-friendly favorites. Although these other sneakers had some nice features, they ultimately didn’t impress us: Brooks’ Revel 6 is lightweight and priced competitively, but we were disappointed by the fit. On longer runs, it caused chafing and painful blisters. Nike’s Winflo 10 is stylish, with plenty of soft cushioning in the midsole and great shock absorption. But the shoes run very small and caused us a lot of pain in our toes during testing. We continue to test all of the shoes on our list at home, and we’ll update our recommendations if we notice anything major that we haven’t already mentioned here. What to Look for When Shopping for Cheap Running Shoes Foot Type: Make sure your shoes are designed for your foot type, whether you have flat feet or high arches. Also, consider your gait: Neutral runners, overpronators, and supinators all require sneakers with different levels of support. Experts at a specialty running store can help you determine your gait type and find the right pair, says running coach Dana Anello White, CPT. Roads or Trails: What’s your running routine like? Do you enjoy speed workouts, distance runs, or both? Do you prefer running on roads, treadmills, or trails? Road running shoes are ideal for beginners, while trail running shoes are best for running on uneven surfaces, says podiatrist Marlene Reid, DPM, FACFAS. Knowing your preferences can help narrow down your search. Fit: Your running shoes should fit comfortably right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. Look for shoes that have enough room in the toe box to account for some swelling (but not so much space that you get blisters), says running coach Randy Accetta. If you have narrow or wide feet, look for sneakers that come in multiple widths. Support: Check for the essentials—firm arch support, solid ankle support, a deep heel cup, and a grippy outsole. If you have flat feet or you overpronate, consider stability running shoes with stiffer foam in the midsole that helps align your feet as you run. Drop: A shoe’s heel-to-toe drop measures the difference between the height of the shoe’s sole at the heel and the forefoot in millimeters. Most running shoes have an 8- to 12-millimeter drop. Sneakers with a higher drop tend to have more cushioning underneath the heel, providing better protection for heel-strikers. Shoes with a lower drop place less pressure on your knees and hips, making them better for runners with a midfoot or forefoot strike. Durability: Budget-friendly running shoes may not be as durable as higher-priced pairs, so it pays to do your research and carefully inspect your sneakers before purchasing. Look for sturdy rubber outsoles and uppers made from high-quality materials that won’t tear easily. Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao How We Tested the Best Cheap Running Shoes To find the best cheap running shoes, we’ve tested over 100 pairs from top, trusted brands. For the pairs we select through research, we first ask our experts which features to look for in high-quality sneakers. Then, we review key specs and customer feedback for dozens of shoes at budget-friendly prices to find the best options on the market. When testing running shoes, we often have two people test each pair to account for different preferences and foot types. As we continue to test and evaluate more cheap running shoes, we keep these key criteria in mind: Fit: When we first try the shoe on, we make sure there’s adequate space in the toe box. Do the sneakers feel secure and comfortable around our toes, heels, and arches? These observations help us decide whether a shoe runs narrow, wide, or true to size. Stability: We run on different surfaces, including pavement, sidewalks, treadmills, and trails, to assess how stable and supportive the shoes feel. Do they have enough arch and ankle support?Responsiveness: We look for shoes that feel bouncy and springy underfoot. Does the sneaker propel us to the next stride and give energy back to us as we land? We also note whether our feet and legs feel fresh or tired at the end of each run. Cushioning: During test runs, we note how soft or firm the cushioning feels. Is there enough foam to help support our feet and protect our joints? If there’s any extra padding in the tongue or collar, we note that, too. Comfort: As we run in the shoes, we pay attention to how they feel on our feet. Do they cause chafing or blisters? Is the upper soft and breathable, or does it have irritating seams? We prioritize shoes that are so comfortable, we forget we’re wearing them. Overall Value: To rate each sneaker’s value, we don’t check the price until testing is completed—after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on their performance, does the price seem fair, or would we only buy them if they went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend these shoes to a friend or family member. Shoes we’d happily pay full price for earn a higher value score. Our Experts We consulted experts at every stage while testing, researching, and reporting this story. Some, like Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, helped us design our testing process. Others, like White and Accetta, provided valuable tips on how running shoes should fit and feel. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center Marlene Reid, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist in Naperville, Illinois Dana Anello White, CPT, a personal trainer, certified running and nutrition coach, and founder of Jersey Women Strong Randy Accetta, a certified running coach and director of coaching education for Road Runners Club of America Rob Conenello, DPM, FACPAS, FAAPSM, a sports podiatrist and founder of Orangetown Podiatry in New York Frequently Asked Questions Do more expensive running shoes make a difference? There’s no guarantee that spending more on your running shoes will improve your race times. When it comes to choosing the right sneakers, research shows that comfort is the most important factor—high-end features or technology aside. How do you break in running shoes? You may have heard that all shoes require a break-in period, but the right pair of running shoes should feel great from the first time you put them on, according to Conenello. However, some runners might still want to wear shoes for a few short runs before taking them long-distance—and you should never wear brand-new shoes for a race. Should running shoes be a size bigger? In general, most runners should wear shoes that are a half to a full size larger than their usual. The extra space helps accommodate the expansion of your foot when it hits the ground with each step, as well as any normal swelling that may occur, according to White. How often should you replace running shoes? Most running shoes last about 300 to 500 miles before the cushioning and support wear out, putting you at risk of injury. You may also need new shoes more often if you log a lot of miles outside or on rugged terrain. Pay attention to how your shoes feel and look for signs of wear: If you can easily fold them lengthwise at the toe box, it may be time to replace them, says Accetta. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a running coach, personal trainer, and avid runner, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has researched and tested countless running shoes. While it’s fun to score a deal on running shoes, she recommends researching the right sneakers for your foot type before just heading for the clearance rack. She likes to wait until a new version of her favorite running shoe, Brooks’ Glycerin, is released, so she can grab the older model on sale. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit